Test Pots

Test pots are available for most of the Natural Paint Co’s range. At a cost of $6.00 for wall paints (plus courier charge) for 85mls, or you can order 4 for $19.95 and enjoy free shipping. They are a safe way to ensure you choose the right product for your substrate and the right colour for your décor.

Paints

Light in certain rooms can have a significant effect on colours, we therefore recommend that you begin with a testpot:

• Apply the paint to a large board (approximately 1m²), an off-cut of the relevant substrate material, e.g. Gib board, is best as it will give you a true feel for the finish and colour. Place the board in the appropriate room and observe the way different light levels affect the colour.

• As a general rule, dark colours will absorb light and therefore bring in the size of a room; light colours can help create the feeling of space.

• Bright colours can be very “active” and are suited to lively activities; subtle tones and hues are generally restful and can be more suited to peaceful areas.

• Before choosing a strong colour; apply a sample to an area of your wall; once seen in situ you may find paint a couple of shades lighter will work better.

• Consider the orientation of the room e.g. is it facing north and getting a lot of sun?

• Although we take the greatest care, some slight variations in colours between samples and the final product and between batches are possible due to the nature of our pigments.

Timber Finishes

• Any coating applied to timber will change the colour and grain. Some timbers will deepen significantly.

• It is important to test the product’s finish to ensure it is suitable for your situation.

• Apply the sample of product to an off cut of your timber or to an inconspicuous area. Apply all the recommended coats and relevant primers so you get a true feel for the product and what is achievable.

Concrete, Stone + Tile Sealer

• Any coating applied to a natural surface will change the colour, and appearance. Some substrates will deepen significantly.

• It is important to test the product’s finish to ensure it is suitable for your situation.

• Due to natural variations in concrete, stone and unglazed tiles any coating applied will enhance distinctions in consistency, texture and colour.

• The substrate, especially concrete, must have had the appropriate drying and curing time before being coated.

Adhesion Test

• If coating a surface that is already painted or wallpapered we recommend an adhesion test: apply a small amount of paint directly onto the applicable area; once completely dry, make a cross in the new paint using a craft knife. Smooth a piece of sticky tape over the crossed area. Leave for a few moments and then pull away. If the tape removes any paint it has failed the test. An oil-based undercoat or removal of the wallpaper may be necessary.

Please note: Test pots should be used as quickly as possible – the packaging is not intended for long-term storage.

Test pots and tinted products cannot be returned. For other products a re-stocking fee of $15.00 per item will be charged for returned unopened goods.

"I would recommend the Natural Paint Company because sustainability is important to me choosing a paint made with renewable materials. Your paint has all the advantages of oil paint, especially durability, but without the things that make people reject oil paint; ie without fumes, and it is also quick drying."

Anthea GrobbHappy Customer

"We would recommend The Natural Paint Company to anyone who wants top quality, professional service and great, environmentally friendly products."

Holly ArmstrongHappy Customer

"The flow off the brush was so fluid and easy to apply even on a rough bark surface. It's consistency perfect. And no strong chemical odours. I would recommend NPC, they were very professional in their delivery and easy to deal with."

Robyn ThorburnHappy Customer

"Last year I was building a house with many eco features. Care of the environment is paramount to me. The Natural Paint Company was my preference because these plant based products are made without damage to the environment. The service The Natural Paint Company provided was second to none, they were extremely helpful when mixing colours to match existing colours and our painter said that the paints were a dream to work with."

Bronwen MintoHappy Customer

"We would recommend The Natural Paint Company to anybody. James was a very good listener and I felt that he was concerned about us purchasing the correct products for the tasks required of them. He was also extremely friendly and obliging which helped considerably in our enjoyment of the work. His knowledge of the products is obviously extensive."

Jan DodgsonHappy Customer

"Over the years we have used your products all over in our house. All inside walls and floors are done with former biopaints products. For us the health safety was always the main factor of consideration and your product satisfies this need 100%."

Ingrid & RonHappy Customers

"I used the Natural Paint Company͛s Woolly Jumper Enamel wall paint on my old brick chimney. The paint went on silkily smooth, soaking into the brickwork and gaps creating a beautiful finish. A year later after nightly winter fires, there has been no movement in the paint surface – it's still in pristine condition. I painted the fire surrounds and hearth with Black Robin Enamel. Again the paint hasn't flinched after a winter."